Behind Schedule: Meaning, Usage & Examples

Meaning 1：delayed (Behind Schedule)

Behind Schedule 🔊

/bɪˈhaɪnd ˈskɛdʒuːl/

phrase

Progress is slower than planned, and tasks are not completed on time.

delayed 🔊

➕

/dɪˈleɪd/

phrase

The state of being later than the planned or expected time, especially in completing tasks or reaching milestones.

📁 Category：Time & Dates 🔖 Level：intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

Behind (at the back of) + schedule (timetable/plan). The phrase literally means 'located after the planned time'.

💡 Mnemonic

Picture a train pulling away from the station while you're still on the platform — you're behind schedule.

📖 Example

We're two weeks behind schedule on this project because of unexpected problems. 🔊 We are two weeks behind schedule on this project because of unexpected problems.

🔗 Collocations

fall behind schedule – to start to be late compared to the original plan

run behind schedule – to continue to be late in progress

get behind schedule – to become delayed

🔄 Synonyms

overdue (adjective) – not done or happening by the expected time

late (adjective) – happening after the expected or usual time

tardy (adjective) – delayed beyond the expected time (often used for people)

🚫 Antonyms

ahead of schedule (phrase) – earlier than planned

on schedule (phrase) – at the planned time

punctual (adjective) – arriving or doing something at the expected time

📖 Cultural Story

The phrase originated in 19th-century railway operations, where 'behind schedule' described trains running later than their printed timetables. It later spread to general project management.